My name is Áine. I became homeless after leaving the Tusla aftercare program. I’d been in care since I was 15, and in that time, I had over 14 different placements. I never had stability. I never had a place that felt like home.

When I first arrived at Whitestown almost three years ago, I didn’t even unpack my bags. I told myself, “This won’t last long.” I was used to things falling apart.

But this time, it was different.

I met with the management team and was assigned a keyworker. Slowly, I started to settle in. I began attending mental health appointments and getting support with housing. Bit by bit, I started unpacking—not just my bags, but my life.

I found comfort in the little things: painting the garden, planting flowers, making art, having summer BBQs. For the first time in a long time, I felt like part of something. I felt safe. I gained confidence in myself.

NOVAS has shown me that there really is light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark life feels. I’ll never forget the kindness of the staff—their encouragement, patience, and belief in me.

If someone had told me when I first moved in that I’d be crying when it came time to leave, I would have laughed. But that’s exactly what’s happening now.

I’m about to move into a home of my own.

I closed myself off to the world at a young age to protect myself. But this experience has proven that I don’t have to anymore. I’ve learned how to trust again.

I can’t thank NOVAS—and people like you—enough for helping me get to where I am today.